Fans ask Pardew: 'Lead by example'

03 March 2014 08:32

Newcastle fans have called upon manager Alan Pardew to 'lead by example' as he awaits a call from the Football Association.

Pardew seems certain to be hit with an FA charge after allegedly head-butting Hull midfielder David Meyler during his side's 4-1 Barclays Premier League victory at the KC Stadium on Saturday.

The incident over-shadowed one of the Magpies' better performances of an eventful season, and Mark Jensen, editor of online fanzine www.themag.co.uk, has bemoaned the fact that his actions detracted from what should have been a good afternoon for the club.

Jensen said: "Pardew does seem to stand on the touchline for virtually the whole match.

"Some people say he loves being the centre of attention. I don't know if that's true or whether he just wants to have the best view of the game.

"But whatever it is, you look to the manager to lead by example and when you have fans running on the pitch, like one did during the Sunderland game and he ends up in court and fined, it does leave the club open to criticism.

"For me, the saddest thing is Newcastle played better than they have for about two months, but naturally all anybody wants to talk about is that incident."

Pardew was sent to the stands by match referee Kevin Friend, whose report is likely to be considered by disciplinary chiefs on Monday.

His club has already fined him £100,000, although Press Association Sport understands his job is not in jeopardy.

However, it is not the first time the 52-year-old's touchline antics have landed him in trouble and it would be no surprise if the FA handed him a lengthy ban and another fine.

League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan has condemned Pardew's latest misdemeanour and described his behaviour as "unacceptable".